Reviews with content warning for Abandonment - Written in the Stars

I get why this book gets a shout out from Ashley Herring Blake and am glad it is a brick in the road toward mainstream sapphic romances, but I prefer the Bright Falls crowd. Both of the main characters were just a little too annoying in their own way for me to really get invested. A perfectly fine book; there are just others I prefer more.

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fairyabby's review

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funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

It was really nice to see a storyline where the romance took the front seat instead of any doubts, concerns or problems that arose from the sexuality of the characters. The exploration of the relationship between the girls and their mothers had my attention, especially Elle’s conflict with her family. I love how Darcy stood up for her (the cilantro line was adorable).

There were a few occasions where the dialogue seemed more reading-of-the-slide than an authentic conversation. Elle reads Darcy’s birth chart, but it felt like an excerpt from Co-Star than a conversation between two people (Darcy being a Capricorn stellium is so on the nose, I don’t know if I love or hate it). The third act was such a letdown — the conflict seemed very feigned, the resolution was abrupt and it really could have done with an NYE epilogue.

A cute and romantic story set in the holiday season with fake dating, opposites attract, and grumpy vs sunshine. The romance was sweet, despite some minor issues, and it was nice to see how Darcy and Elle helped each other grow as individuals. For the most part, the writing was good and I loved the text messages and zodiac posts scattered around the book. Ultimately, a fun read but nothing memorable.

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arlaubscher's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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laurataylor's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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wilybooklover's review

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

3.5

I love an Austen retelling. I liked both of the main characters, but their families were pretty terrible which kind of brought the mood down. The third-act breakup was kind of contrived (but when isn't it?).

The way that Darcy's brother pressured her into dating again and outs the (fake) relationship to Elle's family (without knowing whether or not she was out to them or even if it was safe to do so) was really not cool either. I wish the characters had called him out a bit more on his behaviour.

Overall though a very cute read with some pop astrology, an escape room, and fake dating.

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megplant's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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